GJ Council: "Door Not Closed" on Zoo

By Tim Ciesco&nbsp|&nbsp

Posted: Thu 11:59 PM, Jan 06, 2011&nbsp|&nbsp

Updated: Fri 9:52 AM, Jan 07, 2011

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) - There are new developments in one local group's quest to build a zoo in the Grand Valley -- the City of Grand Junction says it's open to working with them to secure a location.

Grand Valley Zoological Quest has asked the city to lease them 50 acres of land north of I-70 near 29 Road so it can build a zoo over time.

During a Property Committee meeting Wednesday, council members said they weren't too keen on that location because of access issues and the fact that there is no infrastructure in place there.

They said, however, they would be interested in talking to the group about leasing land near the Botanical Gardens and outdoor amphitheater.

"We are not closing the door on this discussion," said Mayor Teresa Coons. "We would like to sit down with the group that wants to start the zoo and see how flexible they are in their plans, then see if we can come to some kind of agreement."

City officials say the next step is to set up a meeting between Grand Valley Zoological Quest and the entire City Council.

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